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Is It Warm Out There?
The planet is getting hotter. But America’s conversation about it has chilled.
TL;DR
- Climate change impacts like wildfires, drought, and high temperatures are increasing, but public and political discussion about climate change in the US has decreased.
- This phenomenon, called "climate hushing" or a "worry gap," is characterized by politicians focusing on economic issues and activists broadening their agendas.
- While Democrats and environmentalists have challenged Trump administration policies that expanded fossil fuels and blocked climate regulations, public noise about these actions is minimal.
- Many Americans underestimate the threat of climate change and the extent to which their peers are worried, leading to a disconnect between perceived risks and actual climate dangers.
- Despite a lack of expressed worry in some regions facing significant climate threats, residents often demonstrate resilience and a tendency to adapt to changing environmental conditions.